MolSynapsequestion bank
MolSynapse / Question bank / Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids / Carboxylic acids: acidity, preparation, derivatives, HVZ reaction
JEE Advanced levelSingle correct optionDifficulty 3 of 3co200

Propanoic acid is treated with and red phosphorus, then ; the product is boiled with excess aqueous and then acidified. The final organic product is

  1. A3-hydroxypropanoic acid
  2. Bpropane-1,2-diol
  3. Cprop-2-enoic acid
  4. D2-hydroxypropanoic acid

Answer: D

HVZ bromination gives 2-bromopropanoic acid. Aqueous hydroxide replaces the alpha bromine by hydroxyl through substitution (elimination would need alcoholic KOH), and acidification gives 2-hydroxypropanoic acid (lactic acid).
Practice Aldehydes, Ketones and Carboxylic Acids More on Carboxylic acids: acidity, preparation, derivatives, HVZ reaction

More questions on Carboxylic acids: acidity, preparation, derivatives, HVZ reaction